Therapeutic lasers can be an invaluable tool in relieving pain and inflammation without side effects; however, determining their ideal frequency is sometimes tricky.
Laser lights emit monochromatic, collimated radiation with pinpoint accuracy that has been scientifically shown to increase collagen production, stimulate fibroblasts and facilitate tissue regeneration.
1. 600 – 700 nm
The wavelength of laser light determines its ability to penetrate tissue. Wavelengths from 600 nm – 1000nm are considered within the “biological window”, where light waves penetrate skin layers while their energy absorbed is distributed to cells within tissue below it – an integral feature of laser therapy as it enables more targeted treatment to areas most affected by conditions.
Wavelengths less than 600nm or greater than 1000nm do not fall within the biological window as these light waves are blocked by skin pigments, hair follicles and blood molecules, dissipating energy rapidly via absorption into water molecules.
Studies of the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on stem cells have demonstrated its efficacy at wavelengths within this range, such as those used by mice undergoing transcranial laser treatment versus placebo treatment on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in brain-derived mesenchymal stem cells treated via nonfocal TBI from closed head collision (CHI), using either 36 J/cm2 of 810nm or 980nm laser wavelengths; significantly more BDNF expression was noted among mice treated using transcranial laser compared with placebo treatment; moreover significant differences were seen between treatment groups regarding levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression whereas no differences could be detected between groups (TLT group showed significantly more increase while no significant changes were seen between groups;).
Other features of laser therapy to consider when selecting a treatment include its power and energy output. Unfortunately, many LLLT clinical studies don’t provide information regarding output and power density – this can be misleading as energy used by laser therapy needs to match with individual response and tolerance levels of the body in order for an effect to take place.
Fluency or pulse frequency of lasers may also have an effect on outcomes; studies that do not clearly specify which fluency type they used may produce inaccurate results as they cannot be directly compared with results from similar models. Pulsing can alter laser’s impact on tissues by cycling its continuous wave power on and off; this may reduce total energy delivered to tissue tissues.
2. 800 – 900 nm
Laser therapy is a noninvasive medical procedure that utilizes light energy to alter how your body produces energy. It improves cell health by activating certain biochemical reactions, helping your body heal injuries faster, treat some skin conditions effectively and even ease pain. Laser therapy works on the principle that photons (light particles with specific wavelengths) from laser beams are absorbed by molecular chromophores within your body which absorb photons producing new forms of energy that change tissue structure and function.
LLLT treatments typically utilize red or NIR wavelengths, as they penetrate tissue more effectively than other frequencies. Water molecules and hemoglobin molecules absorb laser light at these frequencies more readily, creating an “optical window” with deeper penetration of tissue irradiated and increasing chances that light interacts with cells beneath its surface.
The wavelength of light irradiated from lasers also plays a vital role in stimulating metabolic processes, stimulating oxygen consumption and energy production within mitochondria, as well as increasing phosphate potential, activity of NADH, Ubiquinol, Ferricytochrome C Oxidoreductase and NADH/Ubiquinol/Ferriccytochrome C Oxidoreductase enzymes and ferricytochrome C oxidoreductase enzymes; plus laser light can induce mast cell degranulation to help alleviate inflammation or allergies.
Studies of LLLT on human bodies and animal models have produced encouraging findings. One consistent finding has been its positive effects on cellular metabolism; studies of animal models also indicated its benefits; with studies revealing increased energy production across numerous tissues such as liver and bone marrow cells from exposure to LLLT treatments.
Some LLLT devices only utilize one wavelength of light; more advanced systems offer multiple wavelengths for optimal treatment. The Apex Laser System Series features Tri-Wave technology with 810nm, 980nm and 1064nm wavelengths to maximize versatility for practitioners treating various conditions; this enables them to select the ideal wavelength depending on pathology; generally shorter wavelengths are more effective against superficial diseases while longer ones work well against deeper tissue diseases.
3. 810 nm
Laser wavelengths 600 to 700nm penetrate only 1-to-2 centimeters deep into skin and tissue, but 810nm frequency lasers can penetrate much further, providing practitioners with more options for treating pain as well as tissue damage, including bone.
Water, blood and lipid (fat) absorb 810nm frequencies minimally, which allows the laser light to penetrate deeply into tissues where metabolic processes take place.
This wavelength promotes a healthy distribution of calcium within cells and mitochondria, alleviating pain, stimulating circulation, and aiding muscle relaxation. Furthermore, red blood cells carry oxygen better to body tissues to facilitate healing or recovery following exercise or injury.
The 810nm frequency can help accelerate wound healing, promote tissue granulation and fight infection. Furthermore, this frequency speeds post-plastic surgery recovery and results by reducing swelling, bruising and pain after treatment; furthermore it increases endorphin production to create a sense of well-being and increase “feel good” endorphin release for increased well-being.
Treatment using 810nm frequency has shown to effectively combat fibrosis and scarring while stimulating new tissue formation. Furthermore, it has also been found to significantly decrease inflammation and neuropathic pain levels for certain patients. Furthermore, its rapid activation of blood proteins which bind oxygen can accelerate muscle and tendon healing time considerably.
As with 810nm, 1064 nm wavelength absorbs less water, blood, and lipid (fat). This allows it to penetrate deeper into tissues where metabolic processes take place. 1064nm light wavelength has also been utilized successfully in treating eye conditions like glaucoma and choroidal neovascularization by selectively absorption by hemoglobin pigments; it then coagulates tissue between retinal pigment epithelium and inner nuclear layer. Likewise it can treat vascular lesions like scleritis or varicose veins, draining off extra fluid that reduces pressure on optic nerve and brain, as well as decreasing swelling caused by trauma injuries or corneal ulcers.
4. 1000 – 3000 nm
Laser therapy is a noninvasive form of treatment used to alleviate pain and increase cell metabolism and function across cells, tissues, organs and joints. Aside from being an excellent alternative to prescription drugs, laser therapy may also help avoid surgery or extend healing following medical procedures. Laser therapy works through interaction of photons (light particles) with mitochondria of cells containing the cytochrome C complex that leads to an increase in metabolism and decrease in pain levels.
Light waves in the 1000-3000nm wavelength range have been demonstrated to stimulate collagen production, aid in scar tissue resolution and decrease edema levels. Furthermore, this frequency has also demonstrated analgesia effects along with trigger point reduction and muscle relaxation – likely as a secondary or tertiary benefit associated with the activation of the cytochrome C complex in mitochondria.
This frequency has been found to have an enormously positive impact on the lymphatic system. When applied directly to areas with edema, this frequency stimulates lymph vessels, speeding up removal. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory effects have also been noted.
Studies have demonstrated that light with this wavelength penetrates deeper into tissues than either 810nm or 980nm wavelengths, enabling it to stimulate metabolic processes not activated by other laser wavelengths. Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of yoga to facilitate healthy calcium distribution within mitochondria and cell fluids as well as ease pain, improve circulation, and facilitate muscle relaxation. Pulsing of the laser is highly recommended, as research has demonstrated its efficacy. Different pulsing methods may be employed such as super pulsed or gated. No statistical difference was discovered between these methods of pulsing; nevertheless, many would agree that pulsed forms of laser therapy are far superior.
